Anna Sawai has made history by becoming the first Asian actress to win the Emmy Award for Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series. She received this honor for her role as Mariko in the show ‘Shogun’. The 76th Primetime Emmy Awards took place at the Peacock Theater on September 15, 2024, in Los Angeles, California.
In her acceptance speech, Sawai expressed her gratitude to her team and family, particularly her mother. “Thank you John Landgraf and the entire FX team for believing in our story. Thank you, Justin and Rachel, for giving me this role of a lifetime,” she said. “Lastly, thank you to my team and my family. Mom, I love you. You are the reason I’m here. You showed me stoicism and that’s how I was able to portray it. This is for all the women who expect nothing and continue to be an example for everyone.”
This was Sawai’s first Emmy nomination and win. Her past works include Apple TV shows ‘Pachinko’ and ‘Monarch’, the British crime series ‘Giri/Haji’, and films like ‘F9’ and ‘Ninja Assassin’.
‘Shogun’, based on James Clavell’s novel inspired by real Japanese history, earned 25 Emmy nominations this year, making it the most-nominated series. The show’s success extended beyond Sawai’s win, as Hiroyuki Sanada, who portrayed Lord Yoshii Toranaga, also won the Emmy for Best Actor in a Drama Series. This was his first nomination and win.
The FX historical epic, created by Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks, was named Outstanding Drama Series, cementing its status as the frontrunner at the Emmys 2024.
